Wainwright sustained a torn left Achilles April 25 and was expected to miss the remainder of the season. He left his fourth outing of the season, against the Brewers in Milwaukee, after suffering the injury during an at-bat in the fifth inning.

In four outings this season, Wainwright was 2–1 with a 1.44 ERA over 25 innings with 18 strikeouts and three walks.

The three-time All-Star and two-time National League wins leader has started all 221 of the games he has appeared in since 2007, but over the first two seasons of his career in 2005 and 2006, he made 11 relief appearances and posted a 3.39 ERA over 77 innings with 72 strikeouts and 23 walks. He served as the Cardinals’ closer during their 2006 World Series run.

In July, Wainwright pitched at his daughter’s youth softball game, suggesting he could return this season after all. He said as much on Twitter after the game.